You cannot make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear

Perry de Havilland (Wiltshire) · UK affairs

Hubris and self-absorption are almost pre-requisites for a career as a professional politician, but I suppose it is always possible to have ‘too much of a good thing’ in any line of work.

When Robert Kilroy-Silk joined the UKIP in a blaze of messianic self-publicity, I suppose those good folks at head office should have realised that his arrival was going to be a very mixed blessing. And of course no sooner did he arrive than he launched a bid to take over the leadership of the party from Roger Knapman.

I suppose the Knapman/Kilroy-Silk relationship never had particularly good auguries as Kilroy-Silk’s core political beliefs have always struck me as rather hazy for the most part and when actually glimpsed, of rather variable geometry. Knapman on the other hand is that rarest of rare things in British politics, an ideological man of conviction who often says what he really thinks whilst actually making sense. Upon hearing that Kilroy-Silk was flouncing off in a huff because the UKIP proved somehow inexplicably immune to his charms, Knapman is quoted as saying “break open the champagne”, and “It was nice knowing him, now ‘goodbye’. I would love to hear what he said in private.

But Kilroy-Silk has said he will start up a new political party called Veritas, so the best prankster in British politics since the late lamented Lord Sutch will still be around to entertain us. No doubt if the Kilroy-Silk Party does emerge, it will quickly be known by many as the ‘In Vino’ Party.

Phil Hunt

January 23, 2005 at 4:24 am

I would love to hear what he said in private.

“Glad the bastard’s left”, I expect.

But Kilroy-Silk has said he will start up a new political party called Veritas

More naming ideas for Kilroy’s new party.

Julian Morrison

January 23, 2005 at 7:53 am

Or just as “the Kilroy Show”.

Andrew K

January 23, 2005 at 5:39 pm

I wonder if Robert Kilroy-Silk has thought of bringing David Icke into his organisation? They look like two of a kind.

John K

January 23, 2005 at 6:02 pm

For all RSK’s many faults, he is an excellent public speaker. Whenever I have heard him on progammes such as Question Time or Any Questions he has wiped the floor with his opponents. It’s a shame that he could not have been accommodated some way in UKIP. Still, I would love it if he could unseat Buff Hoon at the next election.